NOW CLOSED Talk to M&S about their kidswear and win one of two £100 M&S giftcards

[TheOtherHelenMumsnet]

As you may have seen, we're working with M&S over the next few months - the Mumsnet M&S panel are going to be putting shapewear and the Simply Fuller Longer range to the test, and now we're asking all MNers to tell us what you think about M&S kidswear.

Here's what M&S say about their Kidswear: "We believe that at M&S you can find great value and fashionable kids' clothes. We also want to make shopping for kids' clothes as stress-free as possible, so we're asking Mumsnetters for their feedback on all things kidswear-related so that we can continue to improve our ranges."

We've provided some questions below to get you started, but please feel free to add any other comments you have as well. Everyone who adds their comments to this thread will be entered into a prize draw to win one of two £100 M&S giftcards. Please note, we want your honest opinions and we don't want you to do any research online before you answer the questions below so no cheating now!

~ Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear? What's your overall opinion of it? If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy? If you're not, is there anything specific that's stopping you? What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from?

~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? Is it cost, quality, colour/design, style or brand/label? Or a complicated combination of all of those?!

~ Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why? If you shop in store, do you look online at what items you might buy beforehand, or do you tend to go and see what takes your/your DC's fancy?

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their kidswear? Or buy it more often if you already buy it? Is there anything missing from their kidswear ranges that you'd like to see more of? Do you think they cater for certain ages better than others? Or for boys better than girls or vice versa?

~ Thinking specifically about the M&S baby ranges, what's your overall opinion of these? Do you think there's enough variety? Is there anything you'd like to see more of?

Thanks and good luck with the prize draw
MNHQ

Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear? What's your overall opinion of it? If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy? If you're not, is there anything specific that's stopping you? What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from?

Yes, I buy a lot of it particularly when the Sales are on as I manage to get some good pieces at very good prices [grin}. I would say that I am a regular buyer but not at full-price although some of their children's clothes are very well priced and are almost cheaper than Primark now!

Nothing really stops me from buying their clothes except that for anything waisted, the clothes are made for portly children rather than slimliners like mine. I often see skirts for my daughter then consider that I would have to buy a size 2/3 (for a tall nearly 7 year old) to get the small enough waist - but then the skirt would be skimming her knickers!

Buy quite a lot from H&M, TK Maxx and the occasional bits from Zara, The Gap and sometimes Debenhams. Tend to work around a basic colour theme and develop from there.

~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? Is it cost, quality, colour/design, style or brand/label? Or a complicated combination of all of those?!

Something that is funky and fun, will wear well and doesn't necessarily shout a brand at you! Trendy but without making girls in particular look like they're wearing grown-up clothes! Also like clothes that don't necessarily conform to the pink princess and blue boy approach and M&S does that very well!

~ Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why? If you shop in store, do you look online at what items you might buy beforehand, or do you tend to go and see what takes your/your DC's fancy?

As I tend to buy a lot of the stuff in the Sales I tend to buy in-store - like to get a feel for the material/quality of fabric too. I tend to walk through and be attracted by a colour or a style and get lured into the children's clothes section that way! It's quite effective!

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their kidswear? Or buy it more often if you already buy it? Is there anything missing from their kidswear ranges that you'd like to see more of? Do you think they cater for certain ages better than others? Or for boys better than girls or vice versa?

I think the boys stuff is a little more one-dimensional than the girls stuff. The boys stuff seems to be cool casual or slightly over-smart older boys. Was looking for a pair of skinny, coloured, boys jeans for my 11 year old. H&M had some fab colours and looking for something akin to that in the M&S boys' range but nothing. That definitely needs addressing. And boys don't necessarily want to be stuck in blue, grey hues all the time - a bit more vibrant colour would work wonders!

I like the girls stuff at the moment but do wonder whether, once my daughter has graduated to the older girls range rather than the younger girls one, that I might consider the clothes a bit too grown-up for her when she is 7/8? Come back to me on that one in a year or two's time!

Don't necessarily like the use of the trade-marked Hannah Montana more tween-oriented stuff - that's a bit downmarket...Also, can't remember what it was I saw last week but was in an age 9/10 and had something like Peppa Pig on it - as if any self-respecting girl of that age would be seen dead in toddler clothes! I would say though that the girls clothes cover all eventualities a lot better than the boys ranges.

Consider possibly doing what Monsoon have done recently. Putting together an outfit of the month for children where combi buying gives you a better price than buying the items individually.... Particularly if the combis were stylish but followed seasonal buying too

~ Thinking specifically about the M&S baby ranges, what's your overall opinion of these? Do you think there's enough variety? Is there anything you'd like to see more of?

A long time since I was looking at baby clothes but I seem to think that they are quite funky, nicely coloured etc...and as always what's available now seems much nicer than what was around when my children were at that stage, clothes-wise! Seem quite expensive though - but maybe I'm just out of touch!

Another thing is that my daughter has quite big feet for her age (she's six and takes a 13 - her brother is 11 and takes a 1 1/2 !). I like the style and fitting of the Walkabout shoes but was dismayed that by the time M&S had developed the range my daughter was already beyond the children's size 10 that is its maximum sizing. I think that could do with revisiting. I for one would like a casual shoes alternative to Clarks/Start-Rite which gives some of the same foot health assurances for growing feet - the Walkabout range seems to go some way towards addressing that gap in the market but make it available for a broader age group!

Can I also add that in my local M&S I often have to order the stuff in as they hardly ever have the right sizes. I would go more often if I knew that I could get the right size when I wanted it.

Yes, I agree with loonyrationalist - M&S (girls) knickers are the best. Please don't ever change them!
Also vests and socks...I don't buy from anywhere else. I just don't need to :)

Yes I buy kids clothes from M&S regularly. I like the quality of the clothes. They tend to last and survive washing well.
I try and buy at sales. I also shop at next, debenham and gap for my kids.
Quality, colour and cost. I think there's too much stereotyping in colour.
I shop in store for kids. I like to check the fit and material before buying. I might do a preview online first.

The colour range can be improved. Adjustable waists are importAnt because the waists are normally loose on both my DCs(4 years). I also find that the girls tights come up short. This is strange since everything else tends to be a little big.
I don't know much about the baby range. The DCs wore hand me downs and clothes that were gifted, for the most part.

~ Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear? What's your overall opinion of it? If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy? If you're not, is there anything specific that's stopping you? What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from?

Have bought one or two items, but do not buy regularly as clothes are often logoed and pastel colours. I shop for at H&M, Zara, and other online companies. And ebay!

~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? Is it cost, quality, colour/design, style or brand/label? Or a complicated combination of all of those?!

Colour and cost. I like simple, practical clothing in bright colours

~ Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why? If you shop in store, do you look online at what items you might buy beforehand, or do you tend to go and see what takes your/your DC's fancy?

Online mainly, but once in a while will venture out to stock up. Tend to go with an idea of what we need, but end up buying much more on impulse

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their kidswear? Or buy it more often if you already buy it? Is there anything missing from their kidswear ranges that you'd like to see more of? Do you think they cater for certain ages better than others? Or for boys better than girls or vice versa?

M&S should Play to its strengths and reputation and produce a good range of plain basics for kids in a range of colours which are difficult to find elsewhere- primary colours, black etc. Thinking about unisex clothing along the lines of American Apparel (but cheaper) would be great

~ Thinking specifically about the M&S baby ranges, what's your overall opinion of these? Do you think there's enough variety? Is there anything you'd like to see more of?

As above- a range of baby basics; vests, babygros etc. in plain, primary colours would be great as there is a huge gap in the market for unisex, non-logoed, bright (not pastel) baby clothes at affordable prices.

I have 3 daughters ranging in age from 6 years to 15 months and I regularly buy from M&S. As other posters have said their underwear is great and I think their uniform range is great value especially their school shoes.

I buy from the store am not a huge fan of shopping online as my eldest daughter is very tall but slight so much prefer to try on in-store or at least be able to gauge the length etc.

I like the quality of the clothes and to quote my granny "they wash like a ribbon"

I would like to see changing rooms/area in the childrens section, even the odd chair to try shoes on, my nearest M&S doesn't have these.

Most people bought M&S clothes for my children as baby gifts and again I thought these were good quality and a decent size, they tend to fit a bit bigger than other stores I use. I like the mix and match tops and leggings (2 packs) and think that the babygros especially are much better quality and wash better than other stores especially as they are maybe only a pound or so dearer.

I buy most of my childrens clothes from Asda, Tescos, Next and M&S.

~ Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear? What's your overall opinion of it?

I bought DS a blazer last your from the autograph range and it was fab the cut, fabric and fit were great so this year bough some school trousers as i could buy a smaller size with longer leg length (skinny tall boy) and the quality was shocking. the hems went in t washes and the knees have gone now where as cheaper supermarket trousers bought before these are still going strong. Very disappointed.

~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? cost, durability and washability, size (tall skinny boy) comfort he wont wear jeans or hoodys but like bright colours

~ Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why? Both, if looking for something particular then will go online to get the right thing or will pick up things in the supermarket or when we spot something he likes.

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their kidswear? Or buy it more often if you already buy it? I think its generally expensive and the colours are quite dull and the ranges limited, but the sizeing and size options are good

~ Thinking specifically about the M&S baby ranges, what's your overall opinion of these? Do you think there's enough variety? Is there anything you'd like to see more of? no really looked but all baby ranges could do with offering less pastles blue and pink and more bright colours, when DS was a baby he looked best in vibrant colours but they were really hard to find.

I have bought the occasional item of clothing and had some as presents. It seems nice quality and doesn't lose shape too quickly I don't buy regularly because my M&S only has a couple of rails of baby and toddler clothes. I never remember to look because I've mainly already bought stuff from H&M, Next, Debenhams or supermarkets which all have much bigger ranges in store.

I like kids clothes that are bright, well made, wash and wear well without spending a fortune. Brands don't matter so much, I get them second hand but I won't buy new just because its a particular brand.

I mostly shop instore, sometimes looking at the collections online first to see what looks good. If I buy online its invariably ebay second hand known brands.

M&S could put much more stock into provincial stores. I'm never going to go to another town just to look at kids clothes.

Regarding the baby range, I've had vests and pyjamas. I liked them, I would buy them again. I haven't seen any variety instore, not enough space on one rail. It would be nice to see brighter bits in store and some actual clothes rather than just basics.

~ Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear? What's your overall opinion of it? If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy? If you're not, is there anything specific that's stopping you? What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from?

I buy a lot of my daughter's clothes from M&S. Mainly I find they are good quality. I tend to buy there for that reason, I don't like cheap clothes that stretch out of shape when washed, I like them to last a bit. Also I find the trousers are a good fit on my skinny tall daughter, where other shops' trousers are huge on the bum on her! I sometimes buy things from Next or Tescos but much prefer M&S. Also just started buying some Lands End stuff, but it's quite expensive.

~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? Is it cost, quality, colour/design, style or brand/label? Or a complicated combination of all of those?!

The look followed very closely by the quality of the clothes is important to me. I don't like cheap tacky clothes, I don't like inappropriate clothes for children with tacky slogans and lots of bling!! Horrid! I like basics, good jeans and T-shirts, some pretty summer skirts and tops, a good jacket.

~ Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why? If you shop in store, do you look online at what items you might buy beforehand, or do you tend to go and see what takes your/your DC's fancy?

I do a bit of both. I used to buy mainly online but I do like to touch the material and see what it feels like these days, so try to get into a big town once a month to buy what I need, including whatever my daughter needs clotheswise. I do often look online first though to see what they've got.

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their kidswear? Or buy it more often if you already buy it? Is there anything missing from their kidswear ranges that you'd like to see more of? Do you think they cater for certain ages better than others? Or for boys better than girls or vice versa?

Our York store doesn't have much choice really, could do with more jeans to choose from, more basic T-shirts and more jackets, particularly in summer. A reward card would be nice, so points when you spend so and so much that you can then accumulate and spend when you have enough.

I also think that the clothes for ten and above are sometimes a bit adult and the younger clothes are much cuter!! YOu need to sell more bright T-shirts and shorts, summer skirts, cut offs for pre-teens please!

~ Thinking specifically about the M&S baby ranges, what's your overall opinion of these? Do you think there's enough variety? Is there anything you'd like to see more of?

I love M&S baby range, unfortunately I don't have babies to buy for now, but I loved buying them when my daughter was a baby. Can't wait til my older children provide me with a grandchild!!

I would love to participate in any other surveys about this if there are to be any!

Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear? What's your overall opinion of it? If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy? If you're not, is there anything specific that's stopping you? What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from?
We've bought some school uniform items and have bought gifts for others. We've also received gifts of M&S kidswear. We've found the quality to be pretty good but the prices are a little high. I do think the schoolwear is reasonably priced though. We tend to buy from Sainsburys or H&M.

When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? Is it cost, quality, colour/design, style or brand/label? Or a complicated combination of all of those?!
Value. i.e. The price must be low enough for us to afford it but we'd only buy it if we thought the quality was also good enough. Fit is the other thing that is important - both our children are skinny and generally need adjustable waists on trousers.

Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why? If you shop in store, do you look online at what items you might buy beforehand, or do you tend to go and see what takes your/your DC's fancy?
In-store. I just prefer to browse in store rather than online because children's clothes seem to vary a lot in size and quality. I do think about what the kids would choose and sometimes dd1 picks the colour/pattern she wants in the item I'm buying iyswim.

Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their kidswear? Or buy it more often if you already buy it? Is there anything missing from their kidswear ranges that you'd like to see more of? Do you think they cater for certain ages better than others? Or for boys better than girls or vice versa?
I would like to see more quality basics added at reasonable prices (i.e. competitive with the supermarkets). e.g. for girsl: plain coloured leggings and long sleeve fitted tops. There seems to be a lot of pretty party dresses, that I'm just not interested in because they don't get enough wear to justify the price. I also find the clothes are fairly jumbled up in store. There doesn't seem to be enough space for them and it makes it hard to find the ones for the right age range. (e.g. you suddenly find you're looking at baby stuff when you were looking at toddler stuff)

Thinking specifically about the M&S baby ranges, what's your overall opinion of these? Do you think there's enough variety? Is there anything you'd like to see more of?
Too much in plain white/cream. There are so many other colours that can look neutral. Too much pink/blue for girls/boys. I want to see wider variety of colours - Sainsburys and H&M do this well, as do Next.

Another thought - school uniforms. Our M&S which is a flagship store, seems generally quite low on uniform stocks apart from at the end of the Summer Term/over Summer hols - was looking for PE kit stuff the other week and could only find rows and rows of boys trousers/shirt/jumpers and girls school uniform equivalent. You don't always want to go online to order a pair of PE shorts or the like - even for delivery in-store - just too much of a faff really! So a more comprehensive range of uniform year-round please!

Also with school uniform as an alternative to buy two get one free what about a similar system to the one you have for greetings cards...buy six items and get the 7th school uniform item (including school outerwear) free - that would work better for those with fast growing kids where they might have to be topping up uniform over the school year rather than buying it all at once and being able to take advantage of the 3 for 2 offers...

~ Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear? What's your overall opinion of it? If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy? If you're not, is there anything specific that's stopping you? What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from?
Yes, I buy a lot of my childrens clothes from M&S. I think the clothes are hard wearing and easy to wash. I like to be able to buy clothes that will last to be handed down to my younger son. The uniform clothes are great quality too. I also buy childrens clothes from M&Co., Matalan and Sainsbury's.

~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? Is it cost, quality, colour/design, style or brand/label? Or a complicated combination of all of those?!
A combination of all except brand/label. I will pay slightly more for good quality items but not just for a designer name. One of the most important factors is an adjustable waist on trousers, I will not buy trousers without one. I also will not buy anything with skull designs.

~ Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why? If you shop in store, do you look online at what items you might buy beforehand, or do you tend to go and see what takes your/your DC's fancy?
I shop in store, then the boys can have some say in what I buy. I also like to check the material and whether it is hard wearing yet soft enough for DS1 who has delicate skin.

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their kidswear? Or buy it more often if you already buy it? Is there anything missing from their kidswear ranges that you'd like to see more of? Do you think they cater for certain ages better than others? Or for boys better than girls or vice versa?
I generally like the range for boys (don't really go into the girls section). I would like to see more boys accessories, the store we go to always has loads of girls underwear but very little for the boys.

~ Thinking specifically about the M&S baby ranges, what's your overall opinion of these? Do you think there's enough variety? Is there anything you'd like to see more of?
The baby range seems quite nice, I like the more bold clothing rather than the pastel colours which seem to be obligatory for baby clothes.

~ Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear? What's your overall opinion of it? If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy? If you're not, is there anything specific that's stopping you? What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from?

Yes, generally it appears to be hardwearing, and in a nice variety of colours for boys. I would like more gender neutral options for babies though, as am a bit sick of either blue or pink until child reaches the age of 18 months or so.
I don't buy all kidswear in M+S because I can get similar items cheaper elsewhere (namely Sainsburys)

~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? Is it cost, quality, colour/design, style or brand/label? Or a complicated combination of all of those?!

cost, followed by quality, followed by colours - not fussed by brands/labels at all. When you have a child who is growing like a weed, it is nice to be able to get cheap mix-and match outfits/items of clothing from the supermarkets, with the occasional nicer piece from M+S or Next.

~ Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why? If you shop in store, do you look online at what items you might buy beforehand, or do you tend to go and see what takes your/your DC's fancy?

in store, as sizing seems to be an issue whenever I have bought online. I like feeling the fabric too, as some things are very synthetic feeling despite looking nice on the hanger. my child is only 2.7 (and have a baby on the way) so he doesn't really get a say in the matter yet.

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their kidswear? Or buy it more often if you already buy it? Is there anything missing from their kidswear ranges that you'd like to see more of? Do you think they cater for certain ages better than others? Or for boys better than girls or vice versa?

I haven't bought much for girls yet, but think the boy's range is pretty good - would be nice to see some more smart clothes for very little boys, just shirts and smart tops. I find their clothes a wee bit expensive when I can get similar in the supermarket though.

~ Thinking specifically about the M&S baby ranges, what's your overall opinion of these? Do you think there's enough variety? Is there anything you'd like to see more of?

I like their baby clothes, but like I said, would prefer more gender neutral/less pink and blue items. My local store only had 2 gender neutral outfits when I went in to get something for DC2 the other day. It was a bit disappointing. I love how soft their baby clothes are though!

~ Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear? What's your overall opinion of it? If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy? If you're not, is there anything specific that's stopping you? What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from?

have stopped buying in recent years at Dcs have outgrown the range (16, 14 & 12) used to buy a lot of their clothes from M&S when they were younger, always impressed by durability and classic cut.

~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? Is it cost, quality, colour/design, style or brand/label? Or a complicated combination of all of those?!
at the moment cost. I happily snap up M&S stuff in charity shops.

~ Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why? If you shop in store, do you look online at what items you might buy beforehand, or do you tend to go and see what takes your/your DC's fancy?
In store, I like to feel the fabric.

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their kidswear? Or buy it more often if you already buy it? Is there anything missing from their kidswear ranges that you'd like to see more of? Do you think they cater for certain ages better than others? Or for boys better than girls or vice versa?
cheaper, less pink for girls blue for boys, less cartoony branding.

~ Thinking specifically about the M&S baby ranges, what's your overall opinion of these? Do you think there's enough variety? Is there anything you'd like to see more of?

I like the baby range, again very classy, traditional british. no problems with it. If you could reduce prices at baby while maintaining quality you would be likely to attract more brand loyalty.

~ Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear? What's your overall opinion of it? If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy? If you're not, is there anything specific that's stopping you? What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from?

- Yes I do buy it now and again, my opinion of it is good. I have had things passed down from ds1 to ds2 and still looking very good condition after a lot of washing and wearing. The price tends to be pretty good

~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? Is it cost, quality, colour/design, style or brand/label? Or a complicated combination of all of those?!

combination - mainly of quality, cost and overall look. dont really care about the label as such

~ Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why? If you shop in store, do you look online at what items you might buy beforehand, or do you tend to go and see what takes your/your DC's fancy?

both, i prefer online as range tends to be more, and i dont make it to the shops that regularly but i hate paying p&p so if i look and theres only 1 or 2 things i wanted i would leave it

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their kidswear? Or buy it more often if you already buy it? Is there anything missing from their kidswear ranges that you'd like to see more of? Do you think they cater for certain ages better than others? Or for boys better than girls or vice versa?

free p&p would make me buy it a lot more. ive found they cater okay for all my lot which is baby boy, and 2 in the boys 1-7 yrs range

~ Thinking specifically about the M&S baby ranges, what's your overall opinion of these? Do you think there's enough variety? Is there anything you'd like to see more of?

ive seen some nice things in there and does seem to variety, i liked some of the girls stuff not all just pink pink pink but turquoise green etc although i dont have a girl but i did browse and thought its nice. the baby stuff from m&s is quite good comfy clothes for newborns and young babies like the dungerees outfits and mix and match top and trousers, ive bought quite a few of these things before

Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear? What's your overall opinion of it? If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy? If you're not, is there anything specific that's stopping you? What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from?

~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? Is it cost, quality, colour/design, style or brand/label? Or a complicated combination of all of those?!

For me, cost and design. My DC are both terrible for spills/paint/mud everywhere, and so I don't necessarily want things I can hand down, as they are often stained beyond all recognition after the first DC.

~ Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why? If you shop in store, do you look online at what items you might buy beforehand, or do you tend to go and see what takes your/your DC's fancy?

I shop instore, so I can see the fit, which always seems to be variable. DD1 has just turned five, and currently wears clothes with labels from 3-4, to 7-8, depending on the item and the store. Also DD1 is getting a little fussier in what she'll wear, so it's easier to go together and get something we agree on.

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their kidswear? Or buy it more often if you already buy it? Is there anything missing from their kidswear ranges that you'd like to see more of? Do you think they cater for certain ages better than others? Or for boys better than girls or vice versa?

Improved price and style. I like good quality basics in strong block colours, without too many fussy patterns, or logos/motifs on things. I tend to find these in Boden (only buy in the sale) and Sainsburys. I do always look in M&S but the clothes are less to my taste than those in the stores mentioned.

~ Thinking specifically about the M&S baby ranges, what's your overall opinion of these? Do you think there's enough variety? Is there anything you'd like to see more of?

Too fussy, too floral, too pink. I would again rather see block bright colours.

~ Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear? What's your overall opinion of it? If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy? If you're not, is there anything specific that's stopping you? What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from?

lots of baby stuff 5/6 years ago, only a handful of garments since (t shirts and track suit bottoms). Poor quality, erratic sizing, dull colours, and far too much of it is plastered with cartoon characters and logos.

~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? Is it cost, quality, colour/design, style or brand/label? Or a complicated combination of all of those?!

quality above all else (able to withstand everything that small boys can throw at it), also reliable sizing. Price not a factor - would rather pay a bit more to have better quality stuff that lasts. Nothing now to distinguish M&S kids wear from the stuff in Asda, Sainsburys, Primark made in sweatshops overseas.

~ Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why? If you shop in store, do you look online at what items you might buy beforehand, or do you tend to go and see what takes your/your DC's fancy?

instore because the sizing is so unreliable. Again this puts me off M&S these days. The aisles are so cramped, the displays messy, looks like a bargain basement/jumble sale. I only go there if I need something there and then and can't wait to order online from another retailer

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their kidswear? Or buy it more often if you already buy it? Is there anything missing from their kidswear ranges that you'd like to see more of? Do you think they cater for certain ages better than others? Or for boys better than girls or vice versa?

improve the quality, do more plain basics in good quality cotton. Only have experience of boys so can't comment on girls stuff. Make the whole thing less of an ordeal. Have more than one member of staff serving customers (whilst 3 stand in a corner avoiding eye contact and moaning about their lot). And stop overheating the stores. Always feel like I'm going to pass out in there!

~ Thinking specifically about the M&S baby ranges, what's your overall opinion of these? Do you think there's enough variety? Is there anything you'd like to see more of?

Fine 6 years ago particularly for packs of sleep suits. They lasted through 3 children so must have been ok. Haven't had to buy any baby stuff recently so can't comment

~ Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear? What's your overall opinion of it? If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy? If you're not, is there anything specific that's stopping you? What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from?

Yes lots of time, I like the colours, styles and quality of the clothes. They also tend to fit my children well. We buy from lots of places but next, pumpkin patch are probably the other shops we use most.

~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? Is it cost, quality, colour/design, style or brand/label? Or a complicated combination of all of those?!

Combination of them all - plus the DD's need to like them too. I've learnt there's no point buying something they won't wear.

~ Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why? If you shop in store, do you look online at what items you might buy beforehand, or do you tend to go and see what takes your/your DC's fancy?

Both, i tend to take DD1 for a shop twice a year to buy winter/summer clothes. we go to try things on and see if things look nice 'in real life' having checked them out online first.

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their kidswear? Or buy it more often if you already buy it? Is there anything missing from their kidswear ranges that you'd like to see more of? Do you think they cater for certain ages better than others? Or for boys better than girls or vice versa?

More long sleeved light weight cotton summer tops and trousers, and longer girls shorts. There seems to be a general consensus that girls especially older ones want short shorts. When you have a child who can't use suncream and needs to be covered up you need summer clothes to do the job.

~ Thinking specifically about the M&S baby ranges, what's your overall opinion of these? Do you think there's enough variety? Is there anything you'd like to see more of?

I've not really looked at the baby range recently if i'm honest my girls are 6 and 9.

~ Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear? What's your overall opinion of it? If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy? If you're not, is there anything specific that's stopping you? What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from?

We do buy M&S kids' stuff occasionally. I have 2 boys, now 6 and 8 and their range is very hit and miss IMO. We tend to only buy in sales as a lot of items seem expensive for their quality. I also find the sizing a bit off - my boys are long and lean and both trousers and tops tend to be too short and wide. I'm also put off by a lot of the naff and even slightly offensive slogans on many of the t-shirts.

Most of the boys' clothes are basics from Next. They seem to be priced much better for the quality and they fit a lot better.

~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? Is it cost, quality, colour/design, style or brand/label? Or a complicated combination of all of those?!

It's a definite combination. DS1 is also beginning to have strong ideas about what he does and doesn't like in clothes. He loves orange and HATES pink, for example and he has a strong aversion to clothes with monkeys and apes on.

~ Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why? If you shop in store, do you look online at what items you might buy beforehand, or do you tend to go and see what takes your/your DC's fancy?

I do most of my clothes shopping online. I live in the sticks and the cost of delivery is cheaper than me catching the bus to my nearest city, which only has small stores with a poor selection, anyhow.

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their kidswear? Or buy it more often if you already buy it? Is there anything missing from their kidswear ranges that you'd like to see more of? Do you think they cater for certain ages better than others? Or for boys better than girls or vice versa?

Leave the pink and the naff slogans (eg implications that a boy is a little troublemaker or hates homework) off the clothes. Have more size bands. DS1 grew out of your 7-8 jammies over a year ago but your 9-10 falls off him and he trips over the legs.

And you (M&S) always seem to have so much girlswear left over in the sales, while the selection at even the big store in the Metrocentre is a few unappealing racks, even when new stock is out and what ends up leftover at the end of the season has clearly been left because no one likes it, rather than there being too much choice.

Better choice of fit would make a difference. My boys would be obese if they fitted into a lot of your clothes before they became too short for them. Adjustable waists as standard would make a lot of difference, here.

I would buy more school uniform from you (assuming the trousers fitted more consistently) if the trousers were made of fabric that stodd up to being crawled about in better. Next have my loyalty in that respect, now. As for Polo shirts, I've never been happy since you stopped doing decent quality blue ones - as with a lot of places, you seem to stock mostly white. I don't buy the basic ones you do because the Sainsburys ones are nicer and wash better.

And - I think it really is finally, this time - why is the kidswear section always so cluttered? I've always struggled to get through the section with a buggy, finding a lot of dead ends, even at the BIG Metrocentre store. My youngest needed a special needs buggy to go shopping until recently. We often gave up trying to get to something because we got stuck. (I have a big issue with this store and a lot of pushchair/wheelchair unfriendly clutter in the middle of aisles, as it is, but it's a bit ridiculous when we can't even get to the products we want to buy).

~ Thinking specifically about the M&S baby ranges, what's your overall opinion of these? Do you think there's enough variety? Is there anything you'd like to see more of?

When the boys were tiny, I loved the babygrows and onsie vests. They had some fun designs and washed well and I loved that the vests went up to quite big sizes. I still see an awful lot of pastel pink and blue, though. As with the older kids clothes, I'd like to see a lot less stereotyping.

Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear? What's your overall opinion of it? If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy? If you're not, is there anything specific that's stopping you? What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from?

Yes I do buy from M&S for the kids. Mostly online because my local store has a very small selection and I don't often find anything good there. I also buy from GAP, Boden, H&M & Next

~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? Is it cost, quality, colour/design, style or brand/label? Or a complicated combination of all of those?!
I need to like the look of it. I am forever trying to avoid the 'branded wear' ie. Disney or hello kitty all over things. And this is one of my biggest issues with M&S recently - TOO MUCH HELLO KITTY! Seriously, I went to my local branch a month or two ago and in the entire girls nightwear section there was only ONE item that did not have hello kitty, Disney or some other 'character' on it. Please stop!
Anyway, other than that it's about cost and quality

~ Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why? If you shop in store, do you look online at what items you might buy beforehand, or do you tend to go and see what takes your/your DC's fancy?
No I either shop online (most of the time) or instore, I don't check it out first and then go in, that would seem like a waste of my time TBH

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their kidswear? Or buy it more often if you already buy it? Is there anything missing from their kidswear ranges that you'd like to see more of? Do you think they cater for certain ages better than others? Or for boys better than girls or vice versa?
Less characters (see above rant ;) ) Other than that I do like what you do. Nice colours, generally good fit (not huge on the waist like some of the cheaper stores), reasonable quality. I also really like your Oxfam initatives at the moment and that has made me revisit the site of late.

~ Thinking specifically about the M&S baby ranges, what's your overall opinion of these? Do you think there's enough variety? Is there anything you'd like to see more of?
I don't really look at baby any more, sorry

~ Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear? What's your overall opinion of it? If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy? If you're not, is there anything specific that's stopping you? What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from?

Yes, I buy from M&S semi-regularly. It's convenient (big M&S near me) and the quality is generally good. Gap, Next, sometimes Boden, a couple of independent shops. DS loves vintage, so we do that a bit.

~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? Is it cost, quality, colour/design, style or brand/label? Or a complicated combination of all of those?!

Quality is important as my children play outside a lot and are pretty hard on clothes. I don't like to buy things that are too 'adult themed' for them, especially for DD. As some others have said, skulls, weapons, soldiers etc are out for me. I will go for an occasional dinosaur or other animal for DD or DS.

~ Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why? If you shop in store, do you look online at what items you might buy beforehand, or do you tend to go and see what takes your/your DC's fancy?

I always shop in store at M&S, the only online children's clothes shopping I do is Boden once in a while. I tend to just pop in for one or two things, so it's not really worth ordering online.

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their kidswear? Or buy it more often if you already buy it? Is there anything missing from their kidswear ranges that you'd like to see more of? Do you think they cater for certain ages better than others? Or for boys better than girls or vice versa?

I do wish it was less BOY GIRL with no crossover. Both of my children like bright colours and animals and DD really doesn't need 'cute' pink things embroidered on everything.

~ Thinking specifically about the M&S baby ranges, what's your overall opinion of these? Do you think there's enough variety? Is there anything you'd like to see more of?

Beige/white are really only ok up to 6 months. Once they start eating and crawling about outside, they look grubby all the time (not to mention boring).

Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear? What's your overall opinion of it? If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy? If you're not, is there anything specific that's stopping you? What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from?

Yes. I like the style, the quality seems pretty good and we like some of the designs. My daughter loves the dresses.

~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? Is it cost, quality, colour/design, style or brand/label? Or a complicated combination of all of those?!

Cost first, because there is never a guarantee how long it will last. I?m not fussed at all about brands for the kids every day wear. I also want quality, so something that will wash up well, keep it?s shape and last - providing the kids don?t stain or rip it!

~ Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why? If you shop in store, do you look online at what items you might buy beforehand, or do you tend to go and see what takes your/your DC's fancy?

I tend to shop online. I find often that the sizes I want aren?t available in store, and I get better prices online. Online the sales are better and I can take advantage of discount codes. I usually collect instore.

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their kidswear? Or buy it more often if you already buy it? Is there anything missing from their kidswear ranges that you'd like to see more of? Do you think they cater for certain ages better than others? Or for boys better than girls or vice versa?

I think they cater better for girls than boys. I think a lot of the boys clothing seems a little dated. I also think there could be a better range of sizes kept instore, so I don?t have to oder online every time. It is also a nightmare getting parking at the Meadows, Camberley!

~ Thinking specifically about the M&S baby ranges, what's your overall opinion of these? Do you think there's enough variety? Is there anything you'd like to see more of?

I?ve never really used M&S for babywear. I find it a bit pricy, considering how quickly babies grow.

~ Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear? What's your overall opinion of it? If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy? If you're not, is there anything specific that's stopping you? What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from? I buy loads from M&S kidswear, it's good quality and the sizing is good. I also buy from Tesco, Boots, Adsa (less frequently), John Lewis (less frequently). I think it's on par quality wise with John Lewis and Boots and better than Tesco and Asda and the price reflects this

~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? Is it cost, quality, colour/design, style or brand/label? Or a complicated combination of all of those?!
A complicated combination! I have clothes I buy for going out smart and clothes that I can change him into once he's soaked, muddied the smart ones. I try to go for quality and design and get a lot of M&S clothes in the sale to make it more affordable

~ Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why? If you shop in store, do you look online at what items you might buy beforehand, or do you tend to go and see what takes your/your DC's fancy? I look instore but we only have a small store (Telford) so often my Mum will mention nice things I haven't seen in one of the M&S near her (Glasgow) and I end up shopping on line

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their kidswear? Or buy it more often if you already buy it? Is there anything missing from their kidswear ranges that you'd like to see more of? Do you think they cater for certain ages better than others? Or for boys better than girls or vice versa? I wish that the baby range went to 24 or 30 months because there are a lot of nice things in it that DS is just too big for, and I'm not ready to put him in Transformer / Superman t-shirts yet! I would like M&S to stock footless sleepsuits so DS can wear them without feeling like a baby but it still makes it harder for him to take his nappy off in the night

~ Thinking specifically about the M&S baby ranges, what's your overall opinion of these? Do you think there's enough variety? Is there anything you'd like to see more of? I love the M&S baby range, I think you could do more sleeping bags to a larger size and with more tog range as the ones I had from M&S were reasonably priced and great quality

~ Have you ever bought any M&S Kidswear? What's your overall opinion of it? If you're a regular buyer, what makes you buy? If you're not, is there anything specific that's stopping you? What other brands/shops do you buy kids' clothes from?

Yes, I buy some my childrens clothes from M&S. I think the clothes are hard wearing and easy to wash. I generally get most of the uniform for them both as they are great quality too. I also buy childrens clothes from Matalan, Next and Supermarkets.

~ When you're shopping for kids' clothes, what are the most important factors? Is it cost, quality, colour/design, style or brand/label? Or a complicated combination of all of those?!

Depends - if it is jsut summer stuff for messing around in then colour / syle and design are more important than quality. Uniforms and good clothes I prefer decent quality so they will last. Price is a big factor really. Adustable waist bands, especially for older girls - DD is 10 and skinny and I struggle even with elasticated waists to get them to fit her. I also will not buy anything with skull designs or stupid slogans on.

~ Do you tend to shop in store or online for kids' clothes and why? If you shop in store, do you look online at what items you might buy beforehand, or do you tend to go and see what takes your/your DC's fancy?

A bit of both - uniform tends to be on line and if getting several items I go on line to order to save me time at the weekend dragging kids around the shops. Supermarket buys are often impulse purchases and usually only value items, eg red t-shirt for school for Jubilee celebrations

~ Is there anything that you think M&S could do to encourage you to buy their kidswear? Or buy it more often if you already buy it? Is there anything missing from their kidswear ranges that you'd like to see more of? Do you think they cater for certain ages better than others? Or for boys better than girls or vice versa?

I generally like the range for boys but would like more colour rather than the usual sludgy colours - blues, greens, greys, etc. Girls range is ok for the older girl but sometimes too pink! My DD is a tomboy but likes fashion - so no silly logos or flowers, but stripes and sparkles!

~ Thinking specifically about the M&S baby ranges, what's your overall opinion of these? Do you think there's enough variety? Is there anything you'd like to see more of?

The baby range seems ok but a bit pink / blue and Disney for my liking. WOuld like to see more bold unisex items and a better selection of not just dresses for toddler girls